Administrative senators asked for feedback on several key developments

Oct. 19, 2007By George Mauzy

Administrative Senate members, during a regular meeting Thursday, were encouraged to offer feedback on various university issues, including the academic and financial plan, a defining statement for the university and effective ways of communicating in the event of an emergency.

Vice President for Finance and Administration Bill Decatur and Senate Chair Brenda Noftz asked senators to comment on the university's recently developed Five-Year Academic Action Plan and related financial plan.

Decatur said constituent feedback will play a key role as the five-year plan moves forward. He urged the senate to consider the impact Gov. Ted Strickland's University System of Ohio plan could have on the plan as it make recommendations. He said that although no one knows at this point what the impact will be for Ohio University, the five-year plan could significantly influence the planning process for Ohio University's role in the university system.

On a related topic, Wendy Merb-Brown, a member of the Vision OHIO Executive Steering Committee, said the group is looking for feedback on a defining statement the university will put forth as part of USO. She asked senators to look over the document and send her feedback by 5 p.m. today at merbw@ohio.edu.

The Vision OHIO Executive Steering Committee drafted the defining statement to clarify Ohio University's position in the USO plan by accurately describing its strengths and offerings.

David Hopka, assistant vice president for safety and risk management, shared information about current and future Critical Incident Response Team safety initiatives. He asked the senate to submit ideas for effective communication methods during an emergency. He also asked senators to share suggestions or questions regarding safety on campus. Hopka plans to institute a Web-based suggestion box at www.ohiou.edu/ehs/.

Senator Andy Kranyik announced new communications initiatives, including live Internet streaming of meetings, an Administrative Senate wiki site for sharing documents and communication, forthcoming enhancements to the Web site and an information card for new administrators at orientation.

Other key announcements and discussions:

Senate is soliciting volunteers for 2007-08 committees and will send an e-mail to all administrators with information about how they can sign up within the next week.

WellWorks will offer health risk assessments to all benefit-eligible administrators during winter quarter. The three part assessments are part of WellWorks' Healthy OHIO Wellness initiative. Those who complete the program will receive $50 (before taxes.) Data from the project will inform future health programs, services and benefits for employees.

Senate will host brown bag discussions starting in November on important campus issues, such as shared services and the university budget. The hope is to offer two per quarter.

Senate is in the process of defining who qualifies as an administrator for purposes of representation. Certain employees may be more accurately aligned with other employee groups, such as those in temporary appointments or staff members who perform research in academic areas.

The next Administrative Senate meeting will be held at noon on Thursday, Nov. 15, in Baker University Center 240.